M-1 RAIL has recently achieved a major milestone for the progression of the project. On Jan. 18,2013, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that M-1 RAIL will receive $25 million in federal grant support for the light rail circulator project. We thank Secretary LaHood and the federal, state and city governments for their support, as well as all of our business and philanthropic donors and supporters.
In the next few months, we will be continuing to work with the federal government to finish the supplemental Environmental Assessment and continue to issue Requests for Information for several key functions. We are on track to break ground Summer 2013.
Over the last several years 3.3 miles of circulating rail service on Woodward
Avenue — coordinated by M-1 RAIL — has become central to many people’s thinking as a first step of connective tissue in the geographic heart of the region. As M-1 RAIL has begun to bring this vision to life, they have captured our collective imagination about a better transit future.
M-1 RAIL’s work has become an unprecedented model of public-private will and cooperation.Together with community partners, M-1 RAIL is developing a streetcar line many believe someday will become the center-piece for a seamless transit system that connects Detroiters and people throughout the region to jobs and prosperity, thriving businesses and retail, sporting and cultural activities; but perhaps most importantly, each other.
Although inevitable changes and adjustments have been made, that core idea is alive and well as M-1 RAIL is set to break ground in the late summer/fall of 2013.
M-1 RAIL Benefits
- The line is expected to bring over $500 million worth of economic development to the corridor.
- M-1 is an unprecedented public private partnership, representing over $100 million raised from both philanthropic foundations and leading regional corporations and institutions, in addition to a $25 million grant from the federal government.
- Costs for construction and 10-years of management for the line are fully funded.
- M-1 Rail has provided much of the impetus and confidence for the recent vote to create a future Regional Transit Authority that will tie the region’s transit initiatives together and better serve riders.
- Improved accessibility and mobility for residents, employees and visitors, creating more walkable neighborhoods and increasing foot traffic for shops and restaurants
- Attraction of diversified new development, businesses and jobs
- Creation of more walkable neighborhoods and increased foot traffic for shops and restaurants
- Increased property values while providing opportunities for residents of all income levels
- Decreased traffic and energy consumption
